Globe Valve Housing Guide Blades for Kettle-Space Vortex Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional globe valves experience increased flow resistance and pressure losses due to vortex formation in the kettle space, which is not effectively addressed by existing designs that either increase construction space or incur high manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve housing with radially projecting guide blades in the kettle space disrupts swirl-like vortices, preventing their formation and reducing flow resistance without increasing the construction space or Kvs value, and allowing for adaptable designs with different trimmings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inlet cross-section is continuously increased towards the throttling element to counteract flow resistance, then the flow factor (Kvs value) is maintained, but the construction space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing flow guidance only in specific critical areas (inlet region and kettle space) rather than uniformly increasing the entire inlet cross-section. The flow guide elements are strategically positioned to redirect flow locally, maintaining Kvs value without requiring proportional increases in overall construction space.
2Loss of energy
If guide blades are added to disrupt vortex formation, then pressure losses and flow resistance are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of flow guide elements (such as angle of inclination, height, and positioning) to optimize vortex disruption effectiveness. By carefully selecting these parameters, the patent achieves significant pressure loss reduction with relatively simple guide blade geometries, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the inlet geometry is modified to reduce turbulent vortex flows, then flow losses and noise are reduced, but the construction space and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow guidance function into multiple discrete flow guide elements (such as individual blades or ribs) positioned at different locations within the inlet and kettle space. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured separately using standard machining operations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex molded geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces pressure losses and flow resistance by preventing vortex formation, maintaining the Kvs value, and simplifying manufacturing and maintenance, while allowing for versatile valve designs.
Implementation Method 1
The valve housing (1) is configured with a kettle space (11) below the passage opening (2), in which at least one guide blade (9) is arranged, which projects radially into the kettle space (11) from the inner kettle wall (21) for disrupting a process fluid vortex with a vertical vortex axis of rotation (H)
Data Source
AI summary
In a valve housing for a globe valve for controlling a process fluid flow of a process plant (e.g. a chemical plant, petrochemical plant, a power plant, or a food processing plant), a passage opening is provided that can be closed by a valve member movable translationally in a vertical direction. The valve housing may define, in the vertical direction above the passage opening, a working space for accommodating the valve member. The valve housing may define a kettle space in the vertical direction below the passage opening. The valve housing may include at least one guide blade projecting radially into the kettle space for disturbing a process fluid vortex with vertical vortex axis of rotation filling the kettle space.